I'm a Toyota girl but was looking at an 80 Rx-7. Don't know much about them except that they have a rotary engine. I like the first gen only. What were the best years, best type of engine and how much horsepower from them in first gens. Stock. Would be great to get some help

 

I also am a fan of the first gen Rx-7. 2nd gen was too big and clunky and 3rd was a beautiful car but had so many problems that it obviously did not last long. 93-95 only in US market. 1980 Rx-7 still had points ignition system that you will want to stay away from unless has been updated with electronic ignition. Electronic ignition came out in the 81 model year. 81 to 85 all fairly the same in engine/trans/chassis area but some body changes year to year except for the gsl-se which had the bigger 13b engine in 84 and 85. more power but lower rpm and idle not as good since they only used one fuel injector per rotor housing and were also more prone to fuel flooding. 12a engine was carbureted but carb had few problems. Make sure that first thing you do is get a good inspection from someone who knows what to look for on 1st gen. I had 1 79 that I bought for $100 that needed an engine due to compression loss. Rebuilt and ported intake and exhaust larger to breathe better. Already had a Racing Beat header and exhaust and a Delorto side draft race carb from Italy. After finished, painted entire vehicle 88 rx7 aniversery white ( am talking everything except lights, windows, and tires ). That car could spin the tires easy in the first 3 gears and 4th if you used the pedals right. Not as fast as a twin turbo 3rd gen but whip pants off 2nd gen turbo 2. 1st gen Rx7 rocks girl. Go for it but make sure you get a check over first. If the car looks good to you physically, then have someone give ti a good check mechanically. Compression check is an absolute must on any rotary engine purchase. Most shops do not have a gauge that can check corectly on a rotary so you may have to go to rotary shop or dealer to get good evaluation. You may cringe at the $30-80 used car check but will be worse if you buy and find out it needs a $3000 engine and another $2k to get safe. Also if you live in an area that has an emissions check as part of the registration you will want to have the catalytic converters checked. Rotary engine has always been brutal on cats. super hot exhaust tends to melt them from front to back. Aftermarket replace may not be too expensive but factory will run you $2500 or better to replace all of them if there is a problem. Good luck.

 

excellent info babyhuey...thanks

 

Man, with that much writing you are probably going to turn her off it. and you still never managed to answer any of the questions.

early models where 100hp later ones get to about 115hp standard. best years... i prefer the later models of the first gen, some came with sunroofs and full elec options.

a few months ago i bought a series 2 rx7. it has a mild port, fuel injection, electronic ignition and a microtech computer. the exterior is in near excellnt condition, having had a lighter red respray, interior suffers a little but i plan to do something about that. the car is amasing, it revs so high and the thing moves. Beautiful cars, i would recomend them highly.

Goodluck

 

i dont think that was hueys intention...he is just very thorough in his explanation.